How to Build an L&D Function from Scratch

How to Build an L&D Function from Scratch

What does it take to set up learning and development in a company with nothing in place? Louise Morgan has spent nearly 20 years in L&D across aerospace, automotive, and food manufacturing and now leads group L&D across six UK sites. In this episode, she shares her step-by-step approach to building L&D functions from the ground up, the common pitfalls, and what to prioritise first if you’re starting from zero.

The Untold Truth About Training Apprentices

How do you build an apprenticeship programme that actually works and keeps apprentices engaged for the long term? Chris Adair joins me to unpack the lessons he’s learned after training over 100 apprentices, the hidden pitfalls organisations face, and what every L&D leader should be doing to future-proof their workforce.

Making L&D Strategic (Not Just Supportive)

Most L&D teams measure success by courses delivered, but real impact comes from aligning with business strategy. In this episode, I sit down with Adam, an experienced L&D leader whose career spans the military, education, care, policing, and corporate sectors. He shares how to move L&D beyond “service provider” mode and into a true strategic partner role. We cover: * The difference between reactive and strategic L&D. * Why understanding business outcomes matters more than course completions. * How to collaborate with HR, recruitment, and other stakeholders. * Practical ways to use data, mentoring, and cross-functional expertise. * Steps to build credibility and a roadmap that links L&D to performance. If your L&D team is stuck being reactive, this conversation is packed with insights to help you shift into a strategic, business-driving function.

How Small L&D Teams Can Make a Big Impact!

Small L&D team? You can still move mountains. In this episode, I chat with Alex Tooke, Senior Training & Development Partner at Southeast Consortium, about how a two-person L&D team delivers for 62+ member organisations across housing and construction, without burning out. We cover: * The 80/20 model: when to outsource vs. deliver in-house. * Simple systems that scale (CRM, RAG/stack ranking, 30-day focus). * Turning reactive demand into value—spotting topical needs and spinning up training fast. * Vetting providers, using internal SMEs, and keeping culture fit front and center. * Feedback loops, CPD/recognition, and transparent improvement. * Networking as a force multiplier: 2–3 new contacts a week. If you’re running L&D with tight resources, this playbook shows how to prioritise, partner smart, and increase impact without adding headcount.

From New Hire to High Performer: Building Better Onboarding

Onboarding isn’t a day-one induction, it’s the journey that shapes whether new hires stay, thrive, and perform. In this episode, I speak with Fiona Baxendale, Training Lead at Many Pets, who has a real passion for creating onboarding experiences that are both effective and enjoyable. Fiona shares how to design onboarding that feels intentional, warm, and structured, turning new starters into confident, engaged team members. We cover: * Why onboarding should feel like an experience, not a process. * How to make new hires feel welcomed and connected before day one. * The difference between induction and true onboarding. * Practical steps for building confidence, mentoring, and performance from week one to month six. * How to measure onboarding success through retention, speed to competency, and employee feedback. If you want to move beyond checklists and PowerPoints to create an onboarding journey that truly drives engagement and performance, this conversation is full of practical takeaways you can put into action right away.